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WCU Program: History

History Degree

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Major, Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Related Areas of Study: Public History, History Secondary Education

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Major, Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Related Areas of Study: Public History, History Secondary Education

The history degree builds skills in research, writing, and public history through hands-on work.

The History degree program at Western Colorado University helps students understand the past while developing skills that apply across careers. This Bachelor of Arts program emphasizes research, analysis, and effective communication through the study of historical events, cultures, and ideas.

The History program at Western offers you the chance to discover how the past shapes and affects the present and how seemingly unrelated events and forces connect to frame human endeavors. The study of History at Western prepares students to embrace the complexity and ambiguity of the past. You will create historical arguments and examine historical narratives. By learning how memory, stories, commemorations, traditions, restorations and relics are used, students can make sense of the past and garner insight into the future.

Students in the History degree program explore local, national, and global history while learning to evaluate sources, construct arguments, and think critically. The BA in History prepares graduates for professional careers and advanced study. Real-world experience in Western’s History programs include field trips to historic sites, museums, national parks and archives. History courses also develop the research and writing skills required in the field and beyond, across a variety of formats and topics.

Western’s History program will help you realize the complexity of human affairs from many perspectives, while preparing you professionally for a variety of meaningful careers. Build versatile skills and deepen your understanding of the world with Western’s History degree program.

Experiential Education

History Requirements

Major
Minor

A major is your primary field of study, focusing on a specific subject like biology or business. This differs from a degree, which is the overall qualification you earn (for example, a bachelor’s degree). Your major determines the specialized courses you will take in college. To complete your degree, a major must be paired with a minor.

A minor complements your major by allowing you to explore a secondary field of interest. It requires fewer courses than a major, making it a flexible way to broaden your knowledge, diversify your skills, or pursue a personal passion alongside your primary area of study.

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can I pursue with a history degree?

Graduates with a history degree pursue careers in education, law, government, public service, museums, archives, journalism, research, business, and nonprofit organizations.

Is a history degree worth it?

Yes. A history degree develops critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are highly valued across industries and serve as strong preparation for graduate or professional school.

What skills will I gain from a history degree?

Students earning a history degree gain skills in research, analytical reasoning, persuasive writing, information literacy, and problem solving.

Does a history degree prepare me for law school or graduate study?

Yes. The analytical and writing-focused nature of a history degree makes it excellent preparation for law school and graduate programs in the humanities and social sciences.

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Top Skills

Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Communication
Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Problem-Solving
Research

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Career Pathways

Archivist
Curator
Historic Preservation Specialist
Museum Educator
Oral Historian
Preservation Planner

Department News

Faculty & Staff

Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Kelley Hall 240
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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